Sluitgewicht van acht Amsterdams-Brabants pond before 1659

This brass weight, used for trade in the Dutch region, was created by Georg Schüller. Its materiality is key to understanding its purpose and cultural context. Brass, a durable alloy of copper and zinc, speaks to the importance of trade and commerce during the period it was made. The weight's construction reflects skilled metalworking traditions that were valued in a mercantile society. Its form is as important as its making. Notice the intricate detailing. The weight looks like a lidded bucket with a handle, which shows a degree of care that might seem surprising for an everyday object. This attention to detail elevates the weight beyond mere utility, it speaks to the cultural value placed on precision, reliability, and trustworthiness in financial transactions. This weight isn't just a tool, it embodies the intersection of craft, commerce, and cultural values within the specific historical moment.